Bag holder



Dec. 3, 1957 B. MILLER BAG HOLDER Filed Au 4, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 zzzlwwzvmzzug INVENTOR! ATTORNEY United The present invention relates to bags with suspension and closure devices.

An object of this invention is to provide a novel and improved device affording a frame to be mounted detachably on the mouth rim of a bag and manipulable to open and close the bag so that the mouth rim of the bag will always lie in a single constant plane, preferably a horizontal plane, regardless of the extent to which the bag is opened. Also, the opening and closing of the bag shall always be in rectangular fashion, with no possibility of the bags assuming an askew position during any phase of the operation.

Another object hereof is to provide a device of the character described, of novel and improved construction, affording practically hermetic sealing of the mouth of the bag when the frame is in closed condition.

Another object is to provide bags facilitating the particular action of closure desired in the practice of this invention.

A further object hereof is to provide a novel and improved device of the class set forth which can be hung on a wall or other place for use as a receptacle of garbage or other things.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel and improved device of the nature set forth which is reasonably cheap to make, easy to use, and efficient in operation.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent as this disclosure proceeds.

In the preferred embodiment of this invention I provide a frame including a pair of horizontally positioned frame members or bars and use a paper bag which can be flat when empty and which has expanding side gussets. These frame members are along one another and have means to hold the mouth region of the bag so as to suspend or detach the bag. Linkages are associated with said frame members whereby they may be separated or brought together to open and close the bag, and said linkages hold said frame members against relative longitudinal motion, or any other undesirable motion, so that the bag will open and close rectangularly.

Means are provided on the frame to effect good closure of the bag mouth when in closed condition.

I prefer to provide that no dead center shall exist in the linkages so that the frame shall always close easily. I also prefer that dimensions be such that the bag be not permitted to assume a completely open condition, but that it be always at least slightly started towards closure, and predisposed always to close correctly on the gusset fold lines.

Also, I provide that when the frame is suspended, it may be easily opened and closed with the use of only one hand.

Finally, I provide for specialized bags to ensure more perfect operation; although this decidedly is not necessary, for the device, suitably modified, can be used with any gusset bag of reasonable size.

atent O ice In the accompanying drawings forming part of this specification, similar characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the views. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to the same scale in all the views.

Fig. l is an almost complete perspective view of a bag frame in almost opened position.

Fig. 2 is a rear view of the frame When in closed condition with a bag depending therefrom.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary section taken at the lines 33 in Fig. 2. Parts are omitted to attain clarity of illustration.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of one type of bag which may be used with said frame.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating a modified closure device shown in section in Fig. 7.

Fig. 6 is another fragmentary perspective view of the same modified closure device as viewed from the inside surface of a frame member.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a modified form of frame closure. The section is taken through the longitudinal axis of either one of the detent shafts employed in the embodiment.

Parts not germain to the modification considered, are omitted from Figures 5, 6 and 7.

In the drawings, the numeral 15 designates generally a. frame on which a bag 16 is mounted to suspend therefrom. Said frame may be of metal or other suitable material, and the bag may be of any pliant sheeting.

In the embodiment illustrated, the frame 15 consists of two elongated members 17 and 18 which are normally, but not necessarily, of equal length; and in normal use of the device are horizontally positioned opposite each other, one in front of the other.

Linkage for properly associating said frame members are the pair of links 19, 20 and the pair of links 21, 22. An end of each of the links 19, 20 is hingedly connected to corresponding end regions of the said frame members 17, 18 respectively; the axes of such hinge connections being indicated by the numerals 23 and 24. The other ends of said links 19, 20 are hingedly connected to each other; the axis of this hinge connection being denoted by the numeral 25. Likewise, one end of each of the links 21, 22 is hingedly connected to the other corresponding ends of the frame members 17, 18 respectively; the axes of such hinge connections being indicated as 26, 27. The other ends of said links 21, 22 are hingedly connected, the axis of this hinge connection being shown by the numeral 28.

The set of hinge axes 23, 24, 25 are mutually parallel and remain parallel in operation. The set of hinge axes 26, 27, 28 are also mutually parallel and remain parallel in operation. These two series or sets of axes are, however, in convergent relation to each other, the slope of each such set of axes with respect to the vertical being the same.

The axis 25 is the same distance from axis 23 as the axis 28 is from the axis 26, and the axis 25 is the same distance from axis 24 as axis 28 is from axis 27.

When the frame members are in closed position, as in Fig. 2, the link pairs 19, 20 on the one end, and 21, 22 on the other end, extend preferably downward and away from the frame members 17, 18.

If the frame members assume completely open position, the longitudinal axes of the links 19, 20 on the one end of the frame 15 become a single straight line extending between the corresponding end regions of the frame members 17, 18. Likewise, the longitudinal axesof the links 21, 22 on the other end of the frame 15 constitute when fully opened a single line between these two corresponding ends of frame members 17, 18. The planes themselves, however, of the now coplanar link 3 pair 19, 20 on the one end, and the now coplanar link pair 21, 22 on the other end are inclined at converging angles to the vertical or horizontal.

In practice the frame members 17, 18 are not permitted to open sufficiently to allow for dead center jamming of the link system. This precaution ensures easy closure and is accomplished by stoppets at the hinge regions, or by the thickness of the frame and link material itself, as positionally related to hinge setting. Illustration of such means is unnecessary.

It is practical to have the hinge axes at the very ends of the frame components, which, for economy, may be from wood slat stock. The frame members 17, 18 are then isosceles-trapezoidal in shape while the links 19, 20, 21, 22 are preferably rectangular.

Each of the frame members 17, 18 carry means to hold or to detach the mouth rim region portions of the front and rear walls 29, 30 respectively of the bag 16. Such means may be provided by the angle members 31, 32 which are secured onto or otherwise extend from the opposite faces of the frame members to form the upright channels 33, 34 respectively along the major portions of said frame members, intermediate between their ends, the lengths of such angle members being such that they slide-fit into the cuff portions or pockets 35, 36 respectively along the rim portions of the front and rear walls 29, 30 of said bag.

An ordinary paper bag of the foldable gusset type may have its rim region bent over outwardly downward to provide such cuff, as is readily understandable without illustration.

The bag may also and preferably be formed as shown in Fig. 4 where the pockets 35, 36 terminate and are pasted to the bag proper along the several lines PQ. In such a specialized bag there could be an advantageous addition of strips 37 of any relatively rigid material at the rim region of the gussets, but not at the folding points. The purpose of these strips is to prevent billowing of the gussets during closure, and to ensure proper closure of the bag along its correct folds, regardless of the extent to which it has been loaded with contents.

Although it is preferred that the links 19, 20, 21, 22 extend downward as shown in Fig. 2 with the frame closed, the frame may be made so that the links extend upward. In such instance the channels 33, 34 would need be inverted from their positions in Fig. l, and such a figure, so modified, would be a bottom view of the frame.

Other means than members 31, 32 could serve to hook or clamp the bag 16 to the frame 15. Such other means may be made to engage and release even ordinary paper bags without the use of pockets, as is understandable without further illustration.

If the frame 15, or at least the members 31, 32 be formed of a suitable sheet metal it is evident that inherent resiliency will afford sealed closure of the bag, since such members would be pressed against each other when the frame is closed.

As an alternative, the opposing faces of said members 31, 32 may be faced lengthwise with rubber or other compressible stripping indicated at 38 and 39 respectively. These strips would of course compress when the frame is closed and would effectively seal the mouth of the bag 16 while said frame is maintained closed by any suitable latch or locking means, as, for instance, the detents 40 on member 18, which serve to engage the frame member 17 at points 41.

These detents are on a rotatably mounted rod 42 having a handle 43 for opening and locking the latch means. Said rod 42 is biased by a suitably anchored torsion spring 44 as shown. Although said rod 42 is shown mounted on the outside of the frame, same and its bearings 45 may be mounted on the inside surface of the member 18, so as to be substantially unexposed, in which 4 instance, the handle 43 may extend through a suitable opening through the frame member 18.

It is to be noted that it is preferred to have sufficient locking points and suitably spaced so that the folded-in gussets are clamped uniformly shut. Two latch engagements are provided in this embodiment, both of which are controlled simultaneously by reason of their being linked rigidly together.

A modified latch means construction ensuring simultaneously an operation of two or more latches from one handle is indicated in Figs. 5 and 6, where the detents are spaced along a horizontal bar 61 from which they extend rigidly to one side thereof towards the frame member 17. Extending rigidly in the other direction from said bar 61 between said detents, is the handle 62. The bar along its bottom is hinged to the frame member 18 and spring biased to closed position. The latching points should be at about the level of the points of pressure that effect bag closure. about the same level; or, optionally, a trifle higher for mechanical advantage in overcoming the spring bias, 'if desired. In this embodiment, the hinge axis runs along the outside of frame member 18 slightly below the middle point of the height of member 18. The rigidly connected detents penetrate towards frame member 17 through apertures 63. An extension rigidly attached under the bar 61 limits the swing-open movement of the bar when it contacts and is stopped by the surface of the frame member 18 as soon as the detents 60 have been swung clear of the catches 41. This extension serves particularly to avoid placing a strain upon the detent extension rods 64 which might otherwise serve themselves to stop the swing motion of the bar as they contact the sides of the apertures 63 and thereby possibly become bent or distorted.

Upon opening the frame 15, the bag 16 can be mounted or removed. It is advisable that dimensions of the bag be such that there be no appreciable lateral movement thereof on the hook members, and that the fold line of the gussets shall almost meet when the bag is closed.

The device, in use, is hung or fastened on the back of a door, on a wall, or other place, by suitable suspension or attachment means such as screws through the holes 49, 49'.

It can be geometrically and practically demonstrated that: first, the two frame members may be considered effectively and remain one in front of the other in parallel normally vertical planes during the operation; second, the plane of action of operation of the frame members is a constant plane, normally horizontal when considered as drawn between two properly chosen parallel lines on the two frame members 17, 18; third, the longitudinal axes of the two frame members 17, 18 remain parallel to each other, with their longitudinal axes normal to a line bisecting both axes; and, fourth, that there is no relative longitudinal motion of the two frame members.

As mentioned, the parallel hinge axes 23, 24, 25 are convergent with respect to the parallel hinge axes 26, 27,

28. Each of such sets of axes makes the same angle (indicated by the letter A in Fig. 2) with a plane normal to the longitudinal axes of the frame members. Other angles may be employed, maintaining, however, the mentioned convergent relation of said sets of axes.

If the parallel hinged ends of any link are not normal to the longitudinal axis of that link the desirable previously listed conditions of operation may still be obtained. However, with such deviation, the two frame members 17, and 18 must be of unequal length as measured between the hinges on a frame member. This can be readily understood by imagining the links to be parallelograms and the frame members in fully opened position.

If the link hinges are normal to the link lengths, but if the two links of any joined pair are unequal (while still maintaining the necessary lateral symmetry, wherein links The handle should be at hinged at each end of any frame member are of equal length) then the frame members must also be of unequal length and generally also of unequal width. This can be readily understood by imagining such a combination with the frame closed.

Finally, instead of hinging the links, they could be pinned together and to the frame members. The axes of the pins would correspond to the axes of the hinges and the operation would be essentially similar. Such a construction would be perhaps weaker but cheaper to make.

This invention is capable of numerous forms and applications without departing from the essential features disclosed. It is intended that the embodiments herein be deemed illustrative and not restrictive, and that the patent cover all patentable novelty herein set forth, reference being had to the following claims rather than to the specific description herein to indicate the scope of this invention.

I claim:

1. In an article of the character described, two parallel elongated frame members, one in front of the other substantially in horizontal position, four links, a first hinge connection connecting the first link to one of said members, a second hinge connection connecting the first link to the second link, a third hinge connection connecting the second link to the second of said members, a fourth hinge connection connecting the third link to the first of said members, a fifth hinge connection connecting the third and fourth links, a sixth hinge connection connecting the fourth link to the second of said members, the first and fourth hinge connections being spaced along the first of such members, the third and sixth hinge connections being spaced along the second of such members, the distance between the first and second hinge connections equalling the distance between the fourth and fifth hinge connections, the distance between the second and third hinge connections equalling the distance between the fifth and sixth hinge connections, the axes of the first and fourth hinge connections being convergent and coplanar, the axes of the second and fifth hinge connections being convergent and coplanar, the axes of the third and sixth hinge connections being convergent and coplanar, the axes of the first, second and third hinge connections, hereinafter referred to as the first set, being parallel, the axes of the fourth, fifth and sixth hinge connections, hereinafter referred to as the second set, being parallel, the first set of axes being in angular relation to the second set and both said sets being in equi-angular relation with a ventical plane perpendicular to said members, means on each of said members for holding rim regions of a bag whereby said bag is suspended from said members and means on said members for maintaining them close to each other whereby the mouth of the bag is closed, said last mentioned means being releasable whereby said members can be moved apart, whereupon the bag is opened; said bag being of pliant material and one of said members being adapted to be mounted onto a wall or the like.

2. The assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the axis of the second hinge connection is spaced from each of the axes of the first and third hinge connections equally, and the axis of the fifth hinge connection is spaced from each of the axes of the fourth and sixth hinge connections, equally.

3. The assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the pair of links constituting the first and second links, is in divergent relation with respect to the pair of links constituting the third and fourth links, :and away from the frame members.

4. The assembly as defined in claim 3, wherein the mentioned divergence is upwardly from said members.

5. The assembly as defined in claim 3, wherein the mentioned divergence is downwardly from said members.

6. The assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the side ends of the frame members are in angular relation respectively and the side ends of the links are parallel respectively; all hinge connections being at the said side ends.

7. The assembly as defined in claim 6, wherein the frame members are each isosceles trapezoidal in shape and the links are each rectangular in shape.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 374,845 Moss Dec. 13, 1887 401,196 Miller Apr. 9, 1889 518,574 Procter Apr. 17, 1894 1,622,716 Hiering Mar. 27, 1927 2,269,257 Edwards Ian. 6, 1942 2,622,647 Arnthal Dec. 23, 1952 2,696,862 Smith Dec. 14, 1954 2,714,911 Fontana Aug. 9, 1955 

